Unlike traditional conferences, this conference immerses participants into the local downtown environments to explore its history, neighborhoods, and food systems firsthand. This year's theme centered on the collective commitment to community, resilience, and collaboration in shaping the future of development across North Carolina. Following a devastating previous year for Western NC, this event also provided a crucial opportunity to boost economic development while fostering networking and collaborating among Extension colleagues.
The conference kicked off with a welcome from Tanya Lamo (NCACDEP president and Dare County Extension Director), Hannah Dankbar (NC State Extension Local Food Program Manager), Sally Dixon (Haywood County Cooperative Extension Director), and Kevin Ensley (Haywood County Chair of the Board of Commissioners). Participants jumped right into resource sharing through a round of lightning talks about programs and opportunities happening across the state. A walking tour of downtown Main Street showcased the history of downtown spaces and how they’ve adapted through the years to accommodate tourism, followed by opportunities for participants to attend one of three tours: (1) Smoky Mountain Harvest Hub, (2) Lake Junaluska, and (3) a fiber farm tour at Our Fiddlehead Farm.
Day two began with community service projects, a new and meaningful addition this year. Participants volunteered at Haywood Christian Ministries, Haywood Pathways Center, The Friendship House, and the Smoky Mountain Harvest Hub. Forty people served for three hours each for a total of 120 hours, valued at $4,174.80 ($34.79/hour) Volunteer activities across these locations included supporting marketing operations like moving, stocking, organizing, and bagging; donation intake; administrative tasks like addressing envelopes for fundraising campaigns; creating a welcoming resource environment; and packaging food for distribution.
“With plans in our future for a local food hub, it was valuable to my learning experience to be integrated in how a food hub works as well as the operation/systems in place. We were able to be there when a farmer drop off was occurring and see the transaction which was really great. My work with food security is the main component of my current plan of work and being immersed in this type of assistance will impact future work I do in my county,” a conference participant shared.
When asked about one key takeaway from the conference, another participant shared, “I left with both a better picture of the increasing food need and a more hopeful picture of the food security landscape after seeing creative solutions that other communities have implemented. It helped me rethink my role in supporting our county going forward."
Following community service, participants gathered for lunch, networking, and to hear about updates from NCACDEP and the Local Food Program before heading to breakout sessions at local small businesses in downtown Waynesville. These sessions provide a deeper dive into specific topics and programs and give agents and specialists an opportunity to discuss emerging topics in Extension programming and operations.
The day concluded with a farm dinner at the Mountain Research Station, featuring mostly locally sourced items from farms and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene within the county. Dr. Michelle Eley (Community & Economic Development Specialist at NC A&T University) and Susan Kelly (Assistant Extension Director for County Operations at NC State Extension) brought greetings from respective universities and offered an inspiring message to continue vital work during challenging times.
“This annual conference is such an important opportunity for Extension employees involved in local foods and community development. It offers resources, encouragement, and connection—especially valuable for those who may sometimes feel isolated in this work. I always enjoy experiencing community development "in action" at this creative event and learning about the incredible projects taking place across our state,” Susan Kelly shared.
The final day featured additional breakout sessions throughout downtown Waynesville before gathering for lunch and an address from capnote speaker Sarah Thompson, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Economic Opportunity with the Dogwood Health Trust.
Wykia Macon, Vance County CED has attended three years in a row and shared why this is her favorite conference each year. “The people who choose to come to this conference have a very community oriented mindset and approach their work in Extension with that in the forefront, which I really appreciate. I enjoy being around like-minded people who are really doing the deep work to try and improve the community through extension.”
This conference offered a unique and successful combination of professional development, hands-on community engagement, and essential networking. We look forward to continued success in years to come!
